City Monitoring Tropical Storm Arthur

Wednesday, July 02, 2014 · 10:00 am

​The City of Virginia Beach, through its Office of Emergency Management, is currently monitoring Tropical Storm Arthur as it makes its way up the East Coast. City leadership is engaged and tracking the storm’s progress.

This weather system could bring heavy rain and coastal flooding to Virginia Beach and Southside Hampton Roads on Friday. A decision will be made later today on whether to postpone fireworks planned for Friday at the Oceanfront and Mount Trashmore Park.

To help residents prepare, the city strongly encourages residents to take simple steps now.

·Know safety tips and build an emergency supply kit.Check emergency supplies to be sure you have non-perishable food for at least three days and three days’ of water for your family (one gallon per person/per day). Have flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio and extra batteries in case power goes out. Other important items are a first aid kit and extra supply of medications, if needed. Visit www.Ready.govfor a disaster supply checklist or www.weather.gov/floodsafetyfor flood safety tips and information from the National Weather Service.

·Have a family emergency plan in place. Plan and practice flood evacuation routes from home, work and school that are on higher ground.

·Remove and secure objects from outside your home and business that may become projectiles during high winds.

·Be informed. Learn more about flood risks and steps you can take to prepare. Look for emergency preparedness information on www.VBgov.com/beprepared. Pay close attention to local media and local officials for information.

For the most up-to-date information, stay tuned to local television and radio stations, as well as VBgov.com, the city’s VBTV channels (Cox Cable 46, 47 and 48 and Verizon Cable 45, 46 and 47) and these social media sites:

Citizen Services at311 (landlines within City limits) or 385-3111provides the city’s current operating condition status and facilities closure notices. Please do not call 911 unless you have an emergency.